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The target was achieved, giving students six to eight weeks' work outside of their everyday comfort zone. They benefited. So too, did the firms who took them on, valuing the contribution they made.

This year the stakes are higher in an initiative again being backed by the Evening Post. The challenge this time is to place 100 students.

"Swansea University is focused on developing students who are ready for the workplace," said Pro-Vice-Chancellor Hilary Lappin-Scott. "The placement schemes we run, such as Spin, have proved to be hugely beneficial for the companies that take part as well as for the students lucky enough to win a place. So in 2014 we want to widen the benefits and are looking to place 100 Spin students for at least six weeks' paid employment over the summer."

Eighteen companies have already signed up. Professor Lappin-Scott said she hoped even more businesses got on board.

"The added benefit for a company is that you are helping a young person find their feet in the world of work — and maybe even identifying an employee of the future," she said.

If you would like to find out more about the SPIN scheme and potentially employ a student this summer, visit www.swansea. ac.uk/spin-for-business telephone 01792 513128 or email brightsparks@swansea.ac.uk